How to Set the Arrangements of Officials in Basketball

The game of basketball is usually refereed by two or three officials. The number of officials that are on the game will determine how they are arranged on the court during play. During the game the referees will constantly be adjusting their positioning so that they are all in different spots. This allows them to see the game from different points of view.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how many officials are working the game. If there are two officials, then one will be in the lead position and one will be in the trail position. If there are three officials, one will be in lead, one in trail and one in center position.

    • 2

      Assign one official to start the game in the lead position. The lead position is on the baseline during the initial play of the game. He is responsible for calling fouls in and around the basket. When the ball goes to the other end of the court, this official is now in the trail position. The lead official should be on the baseline on the far end from the benches.

    • 3

      Get one official to the trail spot on the initial possession. The trail position is up near the half court line on the opposite side of the floor from the lead position. The trail position should be on the side of the floor that the benches are on so the coach can communicate with the official. When the ball goes to the other end of the floor, this official now assumes the lead position.

    • 4

      Place the sideline official near the sideline away from the benches. This official works the sideline area on this side of the floor no matter who has the ball. She is responsible for seeing the whole floor and calling fouls that the trail and lead cannot see from their angles.